Boston’s Best Batting Cages

Bostonians are serious when it comes to baseball. They’re a die-hard bunch that follows a team through all the ups and downs, waiting more than 85 years to win the World Series. Whether you are practicing to get into the major leagues or simply want to warm up your swing for the community softball team, hit a home run with these out-of-the-park batting cages.

Rated as one of the best places in Boston to swing a bat, Ironwood Batting Cages boasts nine batting cages with 11 machines. Two cages offer either baseball or softball pitches. Hit baseball pitches with speeds that are slow to very fast or take aim at moderate to fast softball arcs. At a dollar per 15 pitches, bring the whole family and swing for fun, or gather up your friends and practice for an up-coming game. Its season runs April to October.

Have family fun time at Route 1 Miniature Golf and Batting Cages, home of the orange dinosaur. Indulge in a swing or two, or 12, with four batting cages of different speeds. Warm up your arms swinging at 45 mph baseballs or challenge yourself with faster than 85 mph baseballs. Be sure to check the weather before you go as this outdoor facility doesn’t offer much in the way of shelter while you play. Bats and helmets may be provided upon request.

Extra Innings is open year-round, so there is no excuse not to practice your swing at its batting tunnels or cages. Take advantage of the Iron Mike pitching machine, which allows you to adjust the speed of the pitches. Its throwing arm looks more natural, so your batting experience is more like that with a real pitcher. Extra Innings also offers the Range-Pro Dual Baseball/Softball pitching machine, with four speeds for baseball or softball, and an adjustable pitch height. Feel free to bring a friend and take turns pitching at this diverse facility. Reservations are recommended.

Get a little batting practice in at Boston Bowl, which offers two batting cages: one for softball and one for baseball. Ease into learning how to hit with 40 mph baseballs or low-pitch softballs. Take it up a notch and hit 70 mph baseballs or high-pitch softballs instead. Whatever your skill level, Boston Bowl can accommodate. Check the weather before you head out for a day of fun here. Its season runs April to October.

Price: $30 for 30 minutes for non-members/$20 for 30 minutes for members/$50 per hour for non-members/$35 per hour hour for members

You won’t strike out at Baseball Unlimited Training Center with five batting tunnels and cages. Whether you’re new to baseball or a seasoned pro, practice your pitching or hitting under the supervision of trained instructors. Baseball Unlimited offers softball, too. With a family atmosphere and a variety of batting options for every skill level, this is the perfect place to swing your next bat.

Nicole Adams resides on the South Shore of Massachusetts. She is a freelance writer specializing in animal welfare. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.